Is your child ready for school?

The school year is about to start in one week (and others already started). For some of us, it will be the first time your young child is stepping into that classroom all by himself. For the many veteran others, your child may have done this a couple of times and yet there is always some challenge lying ahead. However many times you do this, the first day of school is both exciting and stressful.

So here is a checklist for the first day of school:

• Is your child registered? When is the first day of school? What time does school start? 
• What time is lunch? Can your child buy it at school, and how much will it cost? Will she need a snack? 
• Have you filled out all the health forms or emergency contact forms that have been sent home? 
• Have any new health problems developed in your child over the summer that will affect her school day? Does the school nurse know about this condition, or is an appointment set up to discuss it? 
• If your child needs to take medication at school on the first day, have arrangements been made for this? 
• Does your youngster know where she is going after school (e.g., home, babysitter)? Does she know how she will get there? If you will not be there when she arrives, does she know who will be responsible for her, what the rules are, and how to get help in an emergency?

Best of all, tell your child and yourself to enjoy this new experience. And don’t forget the camera for taking pictures of that first bus ride!

source: AAP